About us

1- About the African International Short Film Market

The African International Short Film Market (AISFM) is the first dedicated short film market in Africa designed exclusively for short films. AISFM bridges the gap between filmmakers, distributors, and buyers by offering both digital and physical opportunities to connect, showcase, and collaborate. With a mission to elevate African storytelling and create a sustainable market for it, AISFM provides filmmakers with visibility, distribution, training, and revenue opportunities, while enabling buyers and distributors to access a curated selection of high-quality short films.

Our digital platform creates a year-round marketplace for African short films, addressing the visibility and market gap for filmmakers, connecting them with global distributors and buyers, and providing the resources necessary to elevate their craft to international standards. Through our platform, we aim to showcase the rich diversity of African narratives and bring authentic African stories to worldwide audiences.

AISFM serves as a crucial bridge in the international film ecosystem, creating pathways for African talent to reach global markets while maintaining cultural authenticity. Our commitment goes beyond mere visibility—we cultivate a supportive community that nurtures both creative excellence and commercial viability.

2- How AISFM Works

For Filmmakers, AISFM offers multiple pathways to success. Submit your short films to gain visibility among global buyers and distributors. Participate in exclusive pitch sessions to present your projects directly to industry decision-makers. Join our community to showcase your work year-round, connect with potential collaborators, and access industry-standard resources through workshops and masterclasses designed to enhance your storytelling and technical skills.

For Buyers and Distributors, we provide a curated library of African short films categorized by themes, genres, and countries to suit your audience's preferences. Secure licensing deals directly through our marketplace, with tailored incentives and low-risk, high-reward opportunities. Take advantage of exclusive matchmaking sessions and virtual screenings during AISFM events to discover the next generation of talent in African cinema.

Our Viewing Room offers industry professionals a secure, immersive experience to explore high-quality African short films. With features like curated collections, exclusive screenings, and interactive feedback mechanisms, we've created the ideal environment for discovering exceptional African content and connecting with its creators.

3- AISFM Marketplace Features

The AISFM Marketplace is designed as a comprehensive ecosystem for African short films, with multiple specialized sections:

Film Library: Our well-organized collection of short films is categorized by genre, theme, and region, with advanced filtering options to help you discover content that matches your specific interests. Whether you're looking for the latest releases, award-winning selections, or films from particular African regions, our intuitive navigation system streamlines the discovery process.

Submission Portal: Filmmakers can easily upload their films along with promotional materials like trailers and posters. Track your submission status in real-time and ensure your work meets our guidelines for maximum visibility and appeal to potential buyers.

Events & Workshops: Stay informed about upcoming physical and virtual events, including networking opportunities, pitch sessions, and Q&A events with filmmakers. Our annual events bring the community together, while periodic virtual gatherings maintain connections throughout the year.

Educational Resources: Access workshops and masterclasses conducted by industry professionals focused on improving storytelling techniques, technical skills, and market readiness. Our resource library offers valuable case studies, funding opportunities, and success stories to inspire and guide your creative journey.

4- Our Commitment to African Cinema

AISFM is more than a marketplace—it's a movement dedicated to amplifying authentic African voices in global cinema. We recognize the unique challenges facing African filmmakers and have built our platform specifically to address these barriers.

Our digital infrastructure is designed to be accessible across multiple devices, with mobile, desktop, and tablet compatibility. We offer multi-language support in English and French, with plans for expansion to other African languages to ensure inclusivity.

Through our blog and news section, we highlight developments in African cinema, showcase emerging talent, and celebrate the achievements of our community members. We believe in the power of African stories to transform global perceptions and create meaningful cross-cultural connections.

Join us in our mission to connect African stories to the world—whether you're a filmmaker seeking to share your vision, a distributor looking for fresh content, or an enthusiast passionate about discovering authentic African narratives.